Mobile terminal and method of controlling operation of the same

ABSTRACT

This patent relates to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling an operation of the same. The method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal includes displaying a file list and scroll arrows for scrolling the file list on a touch screen. When the scroll arrow is touched and entered, the file list is scrolled at a scroll speed previously set in response to a time when the scroll arrow is touched and entered. A vibration signal to identify at least one of a scroll speed and a current scrolling position of the file list is provided. Accordingly, when a file list is scrolled, a scroll speed or a current scrolling position can be easily identified by a tactile sense.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/942,410 filed Jul. 15, 2013, which is aContinuation application of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/212,891 filed Sep. 12, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,509,854, whichclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No.10-2007-0094836, filed on Sep. 18, 2007 and No. 10-2007-0097896, filedon Sep. 28, 2007 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present invention relates to a portable device, and in moreparticular, a mobile terminal.

2. Background

A mobile terminal is a portable device equipped with one or more offunctions for performing voice and video communications while beingcarried with, inputting and outputting information, storing data and soon. In line with the diversity of the functions, the mobile terminal hasbecome equipped with complicated functions, such as capturing of photosor motion images, the play of music files or motion image files, gaming,reception of broadcasting, and wireless Internet, and therefore has beenimplemented in the form of a comprehensive multimedia player.

In order to implement the complicated functions, a variety of attemptshave been made to mobile terminals, implemented in the multimedia playerform, in terms of hardware or software. For example, one of the attemptscan include a user interface environment in which a user can search orselect functions easily and conveniently. Further, as the mobileterminal has been considered as one of personal belongings forexpressing a user's personality, there is a need for a change in thedesigns of various forms.

The above references are incorporated by reference herein whereappropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternativedetails, features and/or technical background.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An object is to solve problems of the related art.

Another object is to provide an improved new interface.

A further object is to provide improved feedback to a user during use ofthe mobile terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating a method of controlling anoperation of the mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 5 to 10 provided examples for clarifying the method of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operationof the mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 12 to 14 provide examples for clarifying the method of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operationof the mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment; and

FIG. 16 provided an example for clarifying the method of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that a mobile terminal described in thisspecification can include mobile phones, smart phones, notebookcomputers, terminals for digital broadcasting, personal digitalassistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigationdevices for GPS, etc.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The mobile terminal in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention is described below withreference to FIG. 1 from a standpoint of constituent elements accordingto their functions. It is also to be noted that the suffix ofconstituent elements used in the following description, such as “module”and “unit”, is simply assigned by considering the easiness of writingthis specification, but is not specifically assigned by considering theimportance and roles. Accordingly, the “module” and “unit” can be mixedin use. Further, module and unit can be either hardware/circuitry orfirmware/software.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile terminal 100 can include a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an audio/video (A/V) input unit 120, a userinput unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, memory 160, aninterface unit 170, a controller 180, and a power supply unit 190. Whenthe constituent elements are implemented in actual applications, two ormore of the constituent elements can be combined into one constituentelement or one constituent element can be divided into two or moreconstituent elements, if appropriate.

The wireless communication unit 110 can include a broadcasting receivingmodule 111, a mobile communication module 113, a wireless Internetmodule 115, a short-range communication module 117, a global positioningsystem (GPS) module 119 and so on.

The broadcasting receiving module 111 receives at least one ofbroadcasting signals and broadcasting-related information from anexternal broadcasting management server through broadcasting channels.The broadcasting channels can include a satellite channel, a terrestrialwave channel and the like. The broadcasting management server can referto a server for creating and transmitting at least one of broadcastingsignals and broadcasting-related information or a sever for receiving atleast one of previously generated broadcasting signals and previouslygenerated broadcasting-related information and transmitting it to aterminal.

The broadcasting-related information can refer to information pertinentto a broadcasting channel, a broadcasting program and/or a broadcastingservice provider. The broadcasting signal can include not only TVbroadcasting signals, radio broadcasting signals, and data broadcastingsignals, but also broadcasting signals in which TV broadcasting signalsor radio broadcasting signals are combined with data broadcastingsignals. The broadcasting-related information can be provided over amobile communication network. In this case, the broadcasting-relatedinformation can be received by the mobile communication module 113. Thebroadcasting-related information can exist in various forms. Forexample, the broadcasting-related information can exist in the form ofthe electronic program guide (EPG) of the digital multimediabroadcasting (DMB), the electronic service guide (ESG) of the digitalvideo broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) or the like.

The broadcasting receiving module 111 receives broadcasting signalsusing various broadcasting systems. In particular, the broadcastingreceiving module 111 can receive broadcasting signals using a digitalbroadcasting system, such as the digital multimediabroadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), the digital multimediabroadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), the media forward link only (MediaFLO),the digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), and the integratedservices digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T). The broadcastingreceiving module 111 can be constructed to be suitable for not only thedigital broadcasting systems, but also all broadcasting systemsproviding broadcasting signals. At least one of broadcasting signalsand/or broadcasting-related information, received through thebroadcasting receiving module 111, can be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 113 transmits and receives radio signalsto and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and aserver over a mobile communication network. Here, the radio signals caninclude voice call signals, video call signals, or various forms of dataaccording to transmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 115 refers to a module for wirelessInternet access. The wireless Internet module 115 can be built in themobile terminal 100 or external to the mobile terminal 100. Theshort-range communication module 117 refers to a module for local areacommunication. Local area communication technology can employ Bluetooth,radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA),ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee or the like. The GPS module 119 receivesposition information from a plurality of GPS satellites or based onmovement determination (non-GPS system for location determination).

The A/V input unit 120 is adapted to input audio signals or videosignals and can include a camera 121, a microphone 123, and so on. Thecamera 121 processes image frames, such as still images or motionimages, which are captured by an image sensor in the video call mode orthe capturing mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on adisplay unit 151.

The image frames processed by the camera 121 can be stored in the memory160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communicationunit 110. The camera 121 can be provided in plural numbers according tothe configuration of a terminal.

The microphone 123 receives external sound signals in the call mode, therecording mode, the voice recognition mode, etc. and converts thereceived sound signals into electrical voice data. In the call mode, theprocessed voice data can be converted into a format, which can betransmitted to a mobile communication base station through the mobilecommunication module 113, and then output. The microphone 123 can employa variety of noise removal algorithms for removing noise occurring inthe process of receiving external sound signals.

The user input unit 130 generates key entry data, which is input by auser in order to control the operation of the terminal. The user inputunit 130 can include the keypad, the dome switch, the touch pad (staticpressure/constant electricity), the jog wheel, the jog switch, thefinger mouse or the like. In particular, a mutually layered structure ofthe touch pad and the display unit 151, which will be described lateron, can be referred to as a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 senses a current status of the mobile terminal 100,such as a closed state of the mobile terminal 100, the position of themobile terminal 100, whether a user touches the mobile terminal 100 ornot, and so on and generates a sensing signal for controlling theoperation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobileterminal 100 is a slide phone type, the sensing unit 140 can sensewhether the slide phone is opened or not. The sensing unit 140 can alsohave the functions of sensing whether the power supply unit 190 suppliespower or not, whether the interface unit 170 is connected to an externaldevice, and so on.

The output unit 150 is constructed to output audio signals, videosignals or alarm signals and can include the display unit 151, a soundoutput module 153, an alarm unit 155, and so on.

The display unit 151 displays information processed in the mobileterminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in the call mode,the display unit 151 displays a user interface (UI) or a graphic userinterface (GUI), which is pertinent to a call. When the mobile terminal100 is in the video call mode or the capturing mode, the display unit151 displays captured or received images individually or simultaneouslyand also displays a UI or a GUI.

Meanwhile, in the case in which the display unit 151 and the touch padform the mutually layered structure and construct a touch screen asdescribed above, the display unit 151 can also be used as an inputdevice as well as the output device. When the display unit 151 consistsof a touch screen, it can include a touch screen panel, a touch screenpanel controller, and so on. In this case, the touch screen panel is atransparent panel attached to the outside and can be connected to aninternal bus within the mobile terminal 100. The touch screen panelcontinues to monitor whether there is a touch input and, when there is atouch input, sends corresponding signals to the touch screen panelcontroller. The touch screen panel controller processes thecorresponding signals received from the touch screen panel and transmitsthe corresponding data to the controller 180, so that the controller 180can understand whether there has been a touch input or which area of thetouch screen has been touched.

The display unit 151 can include at least one of a liquid crystaldisplay, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organiclight-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a 3D display. Two or moredisplay units 151 may exist according to the implementation type of themobile terminal 100. For example, the mobile terminal 100 may beequipped with both an external display unit (not shown) and an internaldisplay unit (not shown).

The sound output module 153 outputs audio data, which is received fromthe wireless communication unit 110 in the incoming call mode, the callmode, the record mode, the voice recognition mode, the incomingbroadcasting mode or the like or stored in the memory 160. The soundoutput module 153 also outputs sound signals pertinent to the functionsperformed in the mobile terminal 100, for example, sound of a receivedcall signal and sound of a received message. The sound output module 153can include a speaker, a buzzer or the like.

The alarm unit 155 outputs signals to inform the occurrence of events inthe mobile terminal 100. For example, events occurring in the mobileterminal 100 can include an incoming call signal, a received message, anentered key signal input and so on. The alarm unit 155 can also outputsignals to inform the occurrence of events in different ways other thanthe audio or video signals. For example, the alarm unit 155 can outputthe signals in vibration form. When a call signal is received or amessage is received, the alarm unit 155 can generate a vibration signalin order to inform the reception of the call signal or message.Alternatively, when a key signal is input, the alarm unit 155 cangenerate a vibration signal as a feedback to the input key signal. Auser can notice the occurrence of an event through the output of thevibration signal. It is to be understood that the signals to inform theoccurrence of events can also be output through the display unit 151 orthe sound output module 153.

The memory 160 can store programs necessary to process and control thecontroller 180 and also function to temporarily store input or outputdata (for example, a phonebook, messages, still images, motion imagesand the like).

The memory 160 can include at least one type of storage media, includinga flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type,card type memory (for example, SD memory, XD memory, and so on), RAM,and ROM. The mobile terminal 100 can also manage a web storage servingas the storage function of the memory 160 on an Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devicesconnected to the mobile terminal 100. Examples of the external devicesconnected to the mobile terminal 100 can include a wired/wirelessheadset, an external charger, wired/wireless data ports, a memory card,a card socket such as subscriber identification module (SIM)/useridentity module (UIM) cards, an audio input/output (I/O) terminal, avideo I/O terminal, an earphone, and so on. The interface unit 170 canreceive data or can be supplied with power from the external devices,transfer the data or power to respective constituent elements of themobile terminal 100, and transmit data of the mobile terminal 100 to theexternal devices.

The controller 180 typically controls an operation of each of theelements and controls an overall operation of the mobile terminal 100.For example, the controller 180 can perform pertinent controls andprocesses for voice call, data communication, video telephony, and soon. The controller 180 can include a multimedia play module 181 forplaying multimedia. The multimedia play module 181 can be constructed inhardware within the controller 180 or constructed in software separatelyfrom the controller 180.

The power supply unit 190 is supplied with external power source orinternal power source and supplies power source necessary for theoperation of the each constituent element under the control of thecontroller 180.

The mobile terminal pertinent to the present invention has beendescribed so far from a viewpoint of the constituent elements accordingto its functions. Hereinafter, the mobile terminal related to thepresent invention is further described from a viewpoint of theconstituent elements according to its external shape with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. Of several types of mobile terminals, such as a foldingtype, a bar type, a swing type, and a sliding type, the bar type mobileterminal equipped with a full touch screen is described below as anexample, for convenience of description. However, it is to be understoodthat the present invention is not limited to the bar type mobileterminal, but instead may be applied to all types of mobile terminals,including the above types.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, acasing constituting an external shape of the mobile terminal 100 iscomprised of a front casing 100A-1 and a rear casing 100A-2. A varietyof electronic components are built in the space formed by the frontcasing 100A-1 and the rear casing 100A-2. At least one middle casing canbe further disposed between the front casing 100A-1 and the rear casing100A-2. The casings can be formed by injecting synthetic resin or can beformed from metal such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

In a main body, more particularly, in the front casing 100A-1 aredisposed the display module 151, a first sound output module 153 a, afirst camera 121 a, and a first user input unit 130 a. Further, a seconduser input unit 130 b, a third user input unit 130 c, and a microphone123 can be disposed on the sides of the rear casing 100A-2.

The display unit 151 includes a LCD, an OLED or the like for visuallydisplaying information. A touch pad can be overlapped with the displayunit 151 in the layered structure, so the display unit 151 can operateas a touch screen in order to enable the input of information by thetouch of a user.

The first sound output module 153 a can be implemented in the form of areceiver or speaker. The first camera 121 a can be implemented tocapture images or motion images of a user, and so on. Further, themicrophone 123 can be implemented properly in such a way as to receive auser's voice, other sound and so on.

The first to third user input units 130 a, 130 b, and 130 c can becollectively called the user input unit 130. The user input unit 130 canadopt any kind of a method as long as it supports a tactile manner.

For example, the user input unit 130 can be implemented using a domeswitch or a touch pad, which is able to receive commands or informationby push or touch manipulation of a user, or can be implemented using awheel or jog method for rotating the key, or a method employingJoystick. In terms of the function, the first user input unit 130 a isadapted to input commands such as the start, the end, and call. Thesecond user input unit 130 b can be used as a mode setting key forentering an operating mode, etc. The third user input unit 130 c canoperate as a hot key for activating special functions within the mobileterminal 100.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG.2. Referring to FIG. 3, a fourth user input unit 130 d, a fifth userinput unit 130 e, and the interface unit 170 can be disposed on the sideof the rear casing 100A-2. A second camera 121 b can be further mountedon the rear side of the rear casing 100A-2.

The second camera 121 b has a photographing direction substantiallyopposite to that of the first camera 121 a and can have different pixelsfrom that of the first camera 121 a. For example, the first camera 121 acan have low pixels sufficiently enough to capture an image of a userface and transmit the captured image to a counterpart in the video callor the like. The second camera 121 b captures general subjects and canhave high pixels because a photographed subject is not transmittedimmediately.

A sixth user input unit 130 f can be installed around the second camera121 b. The sixth user input unit 130 f can employ a jog wheel enablingthe rotation input or the like.

A flash 125 and a mirror 126 can be further disposed adjacent to thesecond camera 121 b. The flash 125 illuminates light to a subject whenthe subject is photographed by the second camera 121 b. The mirror 126reflects a user's face, etc. when the user wants to have his picturetaken (self-photographing) using the second camera 121 b.

A second sound output module (not shown) can be further disposed in thesecond rear casing 100A-2. The second sound output module can implementa stereo function together with the first sound output module 153 a andcan also be used for a call in a speakerphone mode.

An antenna (not shown) for receiving broadcasting signals, other than anantenna for a call, etc., can be disposed on one side of the second rearcasing 100A-2. The antenna can be drawn out from the second rear casing100A-2.

The interface unit 170 becomes a passage, enabling the mobile terminal100 to exchange data, etc. with external devices. For example, theinterface unit 170 can be at least one of a connector for connecting toan earphone, a port for near area communication, and power supplyterminals for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100 in a wired orwireless manner. The interface unit 170 can be a card socket forreceiving external cards, such as a SIM, a UIM and a memory card forstoring information.

The power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal ismounted on the part of the rear casing 100A-2. The power supply unit 190can be, for example, a rechargeable battery and can be detachablycoupled to the rear casing 100A-2 for charging purpose, and so on.

It has been described above that the second camera 121 b and the likeare disposed in the rear casing 100A-2, but the present invention is notlimited to the above arrangement. Although the second camera 121 b isnot separately included, the first camera 121 a can be rotatably formedso as to cover even the photographing direction of the second camera 121b.

A mobile terminal provides the function of outputting a key tone, etc.according to a pressed key when characters are input, but does notprovide a function of distinguishing characters input by a tactilesense. In other words, a mobile terminal does provide the function ofoutputting a key tone or a vibration signal having a specific patternaccording to a specific key pressed, but does not provide a function ofdistinguishing characters, such as input Korean consonants and vowels,the English alphabet, and numerals or, various other languages.

When characters are input or a file list, etc. is scrolled, a user canknow the input characters, the scroll speed and the like only visually.Further, the mobile terminal does provide the function of varyinghigh-speed scrolling, the scroll speed, etc. when a file list and so onis scrolled, but does not provide a function of knowing a change in thescroll speed, a current scrolling position or the like. The followingsolves such drawbacks.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating a method of controlling anoperation of the mobile terminal in accordance with an embodiment.Referring to FIG. 4A, when a user selects a menu for searching atelephone number, a file or the like (S300), the controller 180 controlsa search list in which a telephone number list, file names and so on arelisted and a scroll bar for scrolling the search list to be displayed onthe display unit 151 (S305).

The scroll bar indicates where is the information of a current screenlocated in the entire screen when all pieces of information cannot bedisplayed within a screen displayed on the display unit 151. Thecontroller 180 also controls the contents of information, which isdisplayed on a screen, to be scrolled upward/downward or left/right asthe scroll bar moves.

After the search list and the scroll bar are displayed, the controller180 determines whether the scroll bar displayed on the display unit 150has moved (S310). In the case in which the display unit 151 consists ofa touch screen, the scroll bar can be moved in such a manner that thescroll bar is touched and dragged. Alternatively, the scroll bar may bemoved using a Jog wheel key or a key defined to execute other scrollfunction.

If, as a result of the determination in step S310, the scroll bar hasbeen moved according to the above method, the controller 180 controlsthe search list to be scrolled in response to a moving direction of thescroll bar (S315). In other words, when a moving direction of the scrollbar is downward, the controller 180 controls the search list to bescrolled downwardly and, when a moving direction of the scroll bar isupward, the controller 180 controls the search list to be scrolledupwardly. Alternatively, the controller 180 may control the search listto be scrolled to the left or right according to the form of a searchlist displayed on the display unit 151.

During scrolling, the controller also controls the alarm unit such thatthe user can feel through tactile sense the movement or location of thescroll bar. For example, if the scrolling speed is fast, than thevibration may be a higher frequency (faster vibration) whereas if thescrolling speed is slow, than the vibration may be a lower frequency(slower vibration). Further, the vibration may be also controlled basedon pitch, strength and duration to indicate the speed of scrolling.

The controller 180 controls an identifying character for identifying acurrent scrolling position to be displayed in the form of speech balloonalong with the scrolling of the search list (S320). The speech balloonis meant that speaking of persons in a cartoon, etc. is surrounded by aballoon shape and expressed. In the present embodiment, the speechballoon is used as a meaning to include the tooltip, which pops up whenthe mouse cursor in a web page, etc. is taken. Further, the controller180 controls the alarm unit such that a unique vibration is associatedwith each speech balloon. Separately or together with the uniquevibration, the controller 180 may control the alarm unit to generate aprescribed vibration when there is a transition from one group or onespeech balloon to another group or another speech balloon.

In addition, the identifying character, which is able to indicate acurrent scrolling position, can be indicated by the first letter in thename of an item corresponding to the current scrolling position. Thefirst letter refers to the first letter in a word or sentence. However,when it is not necessarily necessary to indicate the identifyingcharacter as the first letter, an adequate character can be usedaccording to use environment.

This scrolling of the search list and the identifying character of thespeech balloon shape are executed repeatedly until the movement of thescroll bar is finished (S325).

If it is determined that any one item has been selected in the searchlist (S330), the controller 180 controls a detailed menu for theselected item to be displayed (S345). The controller 180 then controlsan operation, which is selected in the detailed menu, to be executed(S350). Alternatively, the controller 180 may control a defaultoperation, which corresponds to a selected item, to be immediatelyexecuted without displaying a detailed menu according to useenvironment.

If it is determined that another operation menu item displayed on thedisplay unit 151 other than the search list has been selected (S335),the controller 180 controls an operation, corresponding to the selectedoperation menu, to be executed (S340).

In the case in which a search list is scrolled through the aboveprocess, a current scrolling position can be displayed in such a way asto be easily identified, and an operation necessary for an item selectedin the search list may be executed. Further, although, in the aboveembodiment, a search list has been described as an example, the presentinvention is not necessarily limited to the case where the search listis scrolled, but can be applied to cases where other screen scrolling isnecessary.

FIGS. 5 to 10 provides examples for clarifying the method forcontrolling the operation of the mobile terminal in accordance with FIG.4. FIG. 5 shows a search screen 600 on which a search list and a scrollbar are displayed. Indicator icons are displayed at the top of thesearch screen 600. An icon 625, indicating the search screen, isdisplayed under the indicator icons. Menu items, such as an icon 610 forselecting other menus, a menu 615 showing the contents of a selectedfile, and an icon 620 for moving to a previous menu, are displayed atthe bottom of the search screen 600.

A search list 640, such as a telephone directory list and files, isdisplayed on the search screen 600. FIG. 5 shows that a telephonedirectory list is displayed. A vertical scroll bar 630 for scrollingitems, which are displayed as a search list, downwardly is displayed onthe left side of the search list 640. Scroll arrows may be displayed onupper or lower sides of the scroll bar according to use environment.

In this state, if the scroll bar 630 is moved by a method of touching &dragging the scroll bar, etc., an identifying character to identify acurrent scrolling position is displayed in the form of speech balloon.Here, the displayed character can be represented by the first letter inthe name of an item corresponding to a current scrolling position. InFIG. 5, reference numeral 650 a indicates that an identifying character,indicating that a current scrolling position is placed at an item thatbegins with the first letter ‘A’, is represented by the speech balloonshape.

FIG. 6 shows a state where the search list is scrolled downward when thescroll bar 630 moves downward. Reference numeral 650 b indicates that anidentifying character, indicating that a current scrolling position isplaced at an item that begins with the first letter ‘C’, is representedby the speech balloon shape.

As shown, a list of items, e.g., telephone directory, are groupedtogether based on an alphabetical order. In this example, the vibrationunit is configured to generate one type of vibration as the items arescrolled from one group to another group. When the scroll positioncorresponds with “A” represented by the speech balloon shape, a firsttype of vibration having a first pitch, frequency, strength and/orduration is provided, and the scroll position corresponds with “B”represented by the speech balloon shape, a second type of vibrationhaving a second pitch, frequency, strength, and/or duration is provided.Similar type of vibration changes may be applicable as the scrollposition changes. Alternatively, a first prescribed vibration may beprovided during the transition of the scroll position from “A” to “B,”and then a second prescribed vibration may be provided during thetransition of the scroll position from “C” to “D,” etc. The vibrationsbetween transitions of the scroll position may be the same or different.This transition vibration may be combined with the above. Moreover, thespeed of vibration may increase or decrease depending upon the scrollingspeed, as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 shows a screen in which any one item is selected in the searchlist. As shown in FIG. 8, any one item 660 can be selected in the searchlist through touch input. If a detailed menu for the selected itemexists, the corresponding detailed menu can be displayed. However, inthe case where a default operation corresponding to a selected item hasbeen set, the default operation may be executed immediately.Alternatively, when the touch input is short, a detailed menu may bedisplayed and, when the touch input is long, a default operation may beexecuted immediately.

FIG. 9 shows a screen 700 on which, when any one item is selected in asearch list displaying a telephone directory list is selected, acorresponding detailed menu is displayed. FIG. 9 shows items such as thename of a selected telephone directory list, a mobile phone number, ahome telephone number, an e-mail address, and a group. If a telephonenumber is selected in this detailed menu and ‘Call’ 750 is then pressed,a call can be made to a corresponding person. In order to select otheroption items, ‘Options’ 740 can be selected.

FIG. 10 shows a state screen 800 in which a call to the telephone numberselected in the detailed menu of FIG. 9 is being requested. If there isa stored image corresponding to the telephone number of a person who hasrequested the call, the stored image can be displayed along with theperson's telephone number. Alternatively, a keypad for enteringnumerals, texts, etc., may be displayed by selecting a menu item‘keypad’ 810.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, a vibration may be provided for each selection. InFIG. 8, a vibration corresponding to selection of “Alfred” may be set,e.g., each name of the directory may be associated with a prescribedvibration to distinguish over each other. In FIG. 9, a vibrationcorresponding to selection of “01972929” may be set, e.g., eachinformation associated with “Alfred” may be associated with a prescribedvibration to distinguish over each other. Further in FIG. 10, aprescribed vibration may be associated with the picture ID or animationwhen the call is placed. For example, a user may set a soothingvibration for a close friend whereas a user may set a course orundesirable vibration for a person whom the user may dislike. Similarvibrations may be used when the user receives a call from the closefriend of the person whom the user dislikes.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operationof the mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the controller 180 controls acharacter input window in which characters, such as the Korean alphabet,the English alphabet, Chinese characters, numerals, and a punctuationmark, can be input through touch input to be displayed on the displayunit 151 consisting of a touch screen in response to a menu selected bya user, such as message transmission and search for a telephone numberor a file, (S200). The controller 180 determines whether specificcharacters have been input by the touch input through the characterinput window (S205).

If, as a result of the determination, characters have been input throughthe character input window, the controller 180 controls differentdefault vibration signals to be output in response to the inputcharacters (S210). That is, the controller 180 controls the alarm unit155 to output different vibration signals according to the inputcharacters through the character input window.

Accordingly, a user can identify the input characters based on theoutput vibration signals. Here, a user can set the vibration signals,which are output according to the input characters, according to desiredoutput patterns. In response to a driven menu, the controller 180 maycontrol a character input through the character input window to bedisplayed in a specific area of the display unit 151 along with theoutput of a vibration signal.

The output of a vibration signal according to an input character isrepeatedly performed until another operation menu displayed on thedisplay unit 151 is selected. If it is determined that another operationmenu item displayed on the display unit 151 has been selected (S215),the controller 180 controls an operation, corresponding to a selectedoperation menu, to be executed (S220).

Through the above process, different vibration signals are outputaccording to input characters. Accordingly, a user can understand whichcharacter has been input based on an output vibration signal eventhrough a tactile sense.

FIGS. 12 to 14 provided examples for clarifying the method of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show examples of a search screen 400, which can be usedto search files, telephone numbers and so on by inputting characters bytouch. Indicator icons are displayed at the top of the search screen400. A display window 440 and a character input window 430 are displayedunder the indicator icons. A letter entered through the character inputwindow 430 is displayed on the display window 440. A window 420 forselecting and entering the Korean alphabet, the English capital andsmall letters, numerals and so on is displayed under the character inputwindow 430. Menu items, such as icons 410 for selecting other menus,Search 415 for executing search, and Mode 420 for selecting a mode, aredisplayed under the window 420.

In this search screen 400, FIG. 12 shows a state where a ‘

’ key 431 displayed on the character input window 430 is touched and aletter ‘

’ is entered, and FIG. 13 shows a state where a ‘

’ key 433 displayed on the character input window 430 is touched and aletter ‘

’ is entered. FIG. 14 shows a state where a ‘

’ key 435 and a ‘Add dot’ key 437 are consecutively selected and ‘

’ is consequently entered. ‘Add dot’ key 437 correspond to a predictivetext entry based on entered text or may correspond to preset words basedon entered text.

In this case, different vibration signals are output according to theentered Korean alphabet consonants ‘

’, ‘

’, and ‘

’. That is, when the respective keys displayed on the character inputwindow 430 are touched and entered, different vibration signals areoutput. When a stroke is added or even when dual consonants, etc. areentered, different vibration signals are output. Accordingly, a user cannotice which letter has been entered by a sense of vibration even with atactile sense. In this Figure, the Korean alphabets are shown, bust ascan be appreciated, the features described herein are applicable toother alphabets.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an operationof the mobile terminal in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 15, when a menu for searching aplayable multimedia file, etc. is selected by a user, the controller 180controls a file list in which file names, etc. are listed, and a scrollarrow for scrolling a file list to be displayed on the display unit 151consisting of a touch screen (S250).

Here, the scroll arrow is displayed when all pieces of informationwithin a screen displayed on the display unit 151 cannot be displayed orthe like. When an up scroll arrow is touched, the controller 180controls a list, etc., which is displayed on the screen, to be scrolledupwardly. When a down scroll arrow is touched, the controller 180controls a list, etc., which is displayed on the screen, to be scrolleddownwardly. Alternatively, the controller 180 may control a list, etc.,which is displayed on the screen, to be scrolled to the left or rightaccording to the shape of a file list, etc., which is displayed on thedisplay unit 151 or the touch of the scroll arrow. Further, the aboveconfiguration can be applied identically when a scroll bar is usedinstead of the scroll arrow.

After the file list and the scroll arrow are displayed, the controller180 determines whether the scroll arrow displayed on the display unit150 has been touched and entered (S255). If, as a result of thedetermination, there is touch through the scroll arrow, the controller180 controls the file list to be scrolled at a default scroll speedaccording to the time when the scroll arrow is touched and entered(S260). In other words, when there is a first touch through the scrollarrow, the controller 180 controls the file list to be scrolled at abasic speed. When the touch of the scroll arrow continues, thecontroller 180 controls the file list to be scrolled at a faster scrollspeed step by step.

In the case in which the scroll bar is used, after the scroll bar istouched, a file list may be scrolled in response to a direction wherethe scroll bar is dragged. When the touch of the scroll bar continues,the file list may be scrolled at a faster scroll speed step by step.

If the scroll speed changes, the controller 180 controls a vibrationsignal to be output along with the scrolling of the file list (S265).That is, whenever the scroll speed changes, the controller 180 cancontrol vibration signals of different patterns to be output.Alternatively, the controller 180 may control a vibration signal to beoutput such that a current scrolling position can be identified as wellas the scroll speed according to use environment. For example, in thecase in which scrolling of one page or a certain range is performed, thecontroller 180 may control a vibration signal to be output or in thecase in which an initial letter of a file name in a file list, etc.changes, the controller 180 may control a vibration signal to be output.The scrolling of the file list and the output of the vibration signalare displayed repeatedly until the touch through the scroll arrow isfinished (S270).

If it is determined that another operation menu item displayed on thedisplay unit 151 other than the scroll arrow has been selected (S275),the controller 180 controls an operation, corresponding to the selectedoperation menu, to be executed (S280). The operation corresponding tothe selected operation menu can include an operation for selecting andplaying any one item in a file list, an operation for switching a menufor voice call, mail transmission, etc. and so on.

In the case in which a file list is scrolled through the above process,vibration signals can be output such that a change in the scroll speed,a current scrolling position, the degree of a scrolling progress and soon can be identified. Further, in the case in which the display unit 151does not consist of a touch screen, a scroll arrow may be selectedaccording to the entry of a key, which is defined to execute a scrollfunction, such that the same operation as that of the above embodimentis executed.

Moreover, although, in the above embodiment, a file list has beendescribed as an example, the present application is not necessarilylimited to the case where the file list is scrolled, but can be appliedto cases where other screen scrolling is necessary.

FIG. 16 is an example for clarifying the method of FIG. 15. FIG. 16shows an example of a play screen 500 of a multimedia file. A firstwindow 510 on which a play state or pertinent information of amultimedia file, which is being played, is displayed is displayed on anupper portion of the play screen 500. A second window 520 on which afile list and scroll arrows 530 and 540 are displayed is displayed on alower portion of the play screen 500.

In this play screen 500, when the upper scroll arrow 530 displayed onthe second window 520 is touched, a file list is scrolled upward. Whenthe lower scroll arrow 540 displayed on the second window 520 istouched, a file list is scrolled downward.

When the scroll arrows 530 and 540 are first touched, a file list isscrolled at a basic speed and, when the touch of the scroll arrows 530and 540 continues, the scroll speed increases step by step. In thiscase, vibration signals of different patterns can be output whenever thescroll speed changes. Further, even when a specific range such as onepage is scrolled, when a specific list is scrolled or the like, avibration signal can be output.

Accordingly, a user can notice a change in the scroll speed, the degreeof scrolling progress, a current scrolling position and so on through atactile sense. As can be appreciated, the various features described forFIGS. 4A-10 may be applicable to this embodiment.

Meanwhile, the present disclosure can be implemented as a code readableby a processor in a recording medium readable by a processor included ina mobile terminal such as a mobile station modem (MSM). Theprocessor-readable recording medium can include all kinds of recordingdevices in which data readable by the processor is stored. For example,the processor-readable recording medium can include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM,magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storages, and so on, and canalso be implemented in the form of carrier waves, such as transmissionover the Internet. Further, the processor-readable recording medium canbe distributed into computer systems connected over a network, so codesreadable by a processor can be stored and executed in a distributedmanner.

Further, the mobile terminal and the method of controlling the operationof the same are not limited to the constructions and methods describedin connection with the above embodiments, but the embodiments may beselectively combined and configured partially or entirely so that theycan be modified in various manners.

In the event of message transmission, search for a telephone number or afile and so on, different vibration signals can be output according toentered characters. Further, a vibration signal of a specific defaultpattern can be output in response to a change in the scroll speed or thedegree of scrolling. Accordingly, a user can notice an enteredcharacter, a scroll speed and so on through a tactile sense even withoutdepending on the sense of sight and therefore can be provided with userconvenience.

Further, in the case where a list for searching a telephone number list,a file list or the like is scrolled, an identifying character toidentify a current scrolling position can be displayed in the form ofspeech balloon or the like. Accordingly, a user can know a currentscrolling position conveniently. Consequently, rapid search is enabledand search convenience can be provided. In addition, the presentdisclosure can be applied to a user interface of various environments.

A mobile terminal is provided in which a vibration signal, enablinginput characters, a change in a screen scroll speed or a currentscrolling position to be identified through a tactile sense, is output,and a method of controlling an operation of the same.

A mobile terminal is provided in which an identifying character toeasily identify a current scrolling position when a search list, etc.are scrolled is displayed, and a method of controlling an operation ofthe same.

A method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal includes thesteps of displaying a character input window in which characters can beentered by touch input on a touch screen, and when characters areentered by touch input through the character input window, outputtingdifferent vibration signals according to the entered characters.

A method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal includes thesteps of displaying a file list and scroll arrows for scrolling the filelist on a touch screen, when the scroll arrow is touched and entered,scrolling the file list at a scroll speed previously set in response toa time when the scroll arrow is touched and entered, and outputting avibration signal to identify at least one of a scroll speed and acurrent scrolling position of the file list.

A method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal includes thesteps of displaying a search list and a scroll bar for scrolling thesearch list, and scrolling the search list in response to a movingdirection of the scroll bar and displaying an identifying character forenabling a current scrolling position to be identified in the searchlist.

A mobile terminal includes a touch screen displaying a character inputwindow in which characters can be entered through touch input, an alarmunit outputting vibration signals, and a controller for, when charactersare entered by touch input through the character input window,controlling the alarm unit to output different vibration signalsaccording to the entered characters.

A mobile terminal includes a touch screen on which a file list andscroll arrows for scrolling the file list are displayed, an alarm unitoutputting vibration signals, and a controller for, when the scrollarrow is touched and entered, controlling the file list to be scrolledat a scroll speed previously set in response to a time when the scrollarrow is touched and entered and controlling the alarm unit to output avibration signal to identify at least one of a scroll speed and acurrent scrolling position of the file list.

A mobile terminal includes a display unit on which a search list and ascroll bar for scrolling the search list are displayed, and a controllerfor scrolling the search list in response to a moving direction of thescroll bar and controlling an identifying character to be displayed suchthat a current scrolling position can be identified in the search list.

Furthermore, the methods or operations may be executed using a programrecorded on a computer readable recording medium by a controller of themobile terminal.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Theappearances of such phrases in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within thepurview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, orcharacteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a vibration unitto generate at least one type of vibration; a touch screen; and acontroller operably connected to the touch screen and the vibration unitand configured to: cause the touch screen to display a list of itemsthat are arranged in alphabetical order or a soft keypad having at leastone of numbers or alphabetic characters: when the list of items isdisplayed, cause the vibration unit to generate at least one vibrationwhen the list of items is scrolled and transitions from a first group ofone or more items associated with a first alphabetic character to asecond group of one or more items associated with a second alphabeticcharacter; when the soft keypad with numbers is displayed, cause thevibration unit to generate a vibration when a key associated with atleast one number is pressed; and when the soft keypad with alphabeticcharacters is displayed, cause the vibration unit to generate avibration when a key associated with at least one alphabetic characteris pressed.
 2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein a scroll bar isprovided with the list of items and the list of items is scrolled usingthe scroll bar.
 3. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein as a speed ofscrolling through the list of items changes, the at least one type ofvibration changes based on changes in the speed of scrolling through thelist of items.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein a speechballoon is provided for at least one of the first group or the secondgroup based on a position of the scroll bar.
 5. The mobile terminal ofclaim 4, wherein a unique identification is provided within the speechballoon.
 6. The mobile terminal of claim 4, wherein a prescribedvibration is provided for the speech balloon.
 7. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein a different vibration is generated for the first groupand the second group.
 8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein eachvibration is generated based on controlling at least one of pitch,frequency, strength or duration of the vibration.
 9. The mobileterminal, of claim 1, wherein: causing the vibration unit to generatethe vibration when the key associated with the at least one number ispressed comprises causing the vibration unit to generate a vibrationeach time keys associated with a numbers is pressed; and causing thevibration unit to generate the vibration when the key associated withthe at least one alphabetic character is pressed comprises causing thevibration unit to generate a vibration each time keys associated with analphabetic character is pressed.
 10. A method of controlling a mobileterminal having a vibration unit and a touch screen, the methodcomprising: causing the touch screen to display a list of items that arearranged in alphabetical order or a soft keypad having at least one ofnumbers or alphabetic characters; when the list of items is displayed,causing the vibration unit to generate at least one vibration when thelist of items is scrolled and transitions from a first group of one ormore items associated with a first alphabetic character to a secondgroup of one or more items associated with a second alphabeticcharacter; when the soft keypad with numbers is displayed, causing thevibration unit to generate a vibration when a key associated with atleast one number is pressed; and when the soft keypad with alphabeticcharacters is displayed, causing the vibration unit to generate avibration when a key associated with at least one alphabetic characteris pressed.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying ascroll bar with the list of items, and scrolling the list of items usingthe scroll bar.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein as a speed ofscrolling through the list of items changes, the at least one vibrationchanges based on, changes in the speed of scrolling through the list ofitems.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of frequency,pitch, strength or duration of the at least one vibration changes basedon the change in the speed of scrolling.
 14. The method of claim 11,further comprising displaying a speech balloon for at least one of thefirst group or the second group based on a position of the scroll bar.15. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a uniqueidentification within the speech balloon.
 16. The method of claim 14,further comprising providing a prescribed vibration for the speechballoon.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein a different vibration isgenerated for the first group and the second group.
 18. The method ofclaim 10, wherein each vibration is generated based on controlling atleast one of pitch, frequency, strength or duration of the vibration.19. The method of claim 10, wherein: causing the vibration unit togenerate the vibration when the key associated with the at least onenumber is pressed comprises causing the vibration unit to generate avibration each time keys associated with a numbers is pressed; andcausing the vibration unit to generate the vibration when the keyassociated with the at least one alphabetic character is pressedcomprises causing the vibration unit to generate a vibration each timethe keys associated with an alphabetic character is pressed.
 20. Themethod of claim 10, wherein: causing the vibration unit to generate thevibration when the key associated with the at least one number ispressed comprises causing the vibration unit to generate a differentvibration when a key for each number is pressed; and causing thevibration unit to generate the vibration when the key associated withthe at least one alphabetic character is pressed comprises causing thevibration unit to generate a different vibration when a key for eachalphabetic character is pressed.